Camping & RV Solar

Expect your qi solar power bank to charge your phone wirelessly, but don’t count on the solar panel as your primary power source. I learned this the hard way during a three-day camping trip when I thought the built-in solar panel would keep my devices running indefinitely. The reality? Those small panels generate maybe 5-10%…

Your RV’s lights are flickering, the refrigerator isn’t keeping food cold, and your phone charger barely works. Sound familiar? That frustrating power struggle often points to an undersized or failing power converter, and upgrading to a 55 amp RV power converter might be exactly what you need. Here’s what’s happening: Your RV’s converter transforms 120-volt…

Choose a generator rated at 50-55 decibels or lower to ensure peaceful camping without disturbing wildlife or neighboring campers—models with inverter technology automatically adjust engine speed based on power demand, reducing noise significantly compared to conventional generators. Look for four-stroke engines with enclosed designs and rubber mounting feet that absorb vibration, as these engineering features…

Picture this: You’re three days into a dream cross-country trip when your lights flicker, the refrigerator stops cooling, and you’re left wondering whether to call for expensive roadside assistance or figure it out yourself. I’ve been there, and here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first electrical meltdown in a Arizona rest…

Turn off shore power and disconnect your battery bank before touching any wire in your RV—this single step prevents the most common DIY electrical accidents. Check your circuit breaker panel ratings against your actual appliance loads, because that microwave drawing 1500 watts on a 15-amp circuit is exactly why you’re tripping breakers every morning. Strip…

**Calculate your air conditioner’s starting watts before buying any inverter**—most RV AC units need 2,800-3,500 watts to start but only 1,200-2,000 watts to run. This surge requirement catches most first-time solar RV owners off guard, leading to undersized systems that can’t handle the initial power draw. **Match your inverter capacity to exceed your AC’s surge…

Build a solar kiln in your backyard and you’ll cut lumber drying time from months to weeks while spending zero on electricity. Position your kiln where it receives 6-8 hours of direct southern exposure daily, construct the framework using pressure-treated 2x4s with transparent polycarbonate panels for maximum heat capture, and install basic circulation fans powered…

Choose a portable power station with an inverter rating below 50 decibels—quieter than normal conversation—so you can run your essential camping gear without the rattling drone that ruins peaceful mornings at the campsite. Unlike gas generators that shatter the tranquility you came outdoors to find, modern lithium battery power stations operate in near silence, giving…

Understanding your camper’s electrical system begins with a clear, well-organized diagram that maps out every component from batteries to appliances. Whether you’re building a new system or troubleshooting an existing one, a proper electrical diagram serves as your roadmap to safe, reliable power on the road. Think of your camper’s electrical system like a city’s…

The optimal size of a DC-to-DC charger depends on several factors, including the total auxiliary battery capacity, maximum charge rate, alternator output, and additional charging sources or loads. Accounting for these aspects and selecting a properly sized charger is crucial for maximizing charging efficiency. In this article, you’ll learn a step-by-step process for calculating the…

A typical mini fridge uses 0.2-0.6 amps when connected to a 120V AC power source and 3-7 amps on a 12V DC battery system during regular operation. Start-ups can see a spike of up to three times regular consumption. However, these numbers are for reference only and will vary depending on the fridge’s model, size,…

Solar-powered FM receiver transmitter or, shortly, solar-powered radio is a unique variant of a traditional FM receiver transmitter, with one significant difference: it doesn’t rely on batteries or any external electrical source. Instead, it harnesses solar power, turning it into electrical power through photovoltaic technology. At first glance, a solar-powered radio resembles the standard radios…

Using solar power to run a mini-split system is not only feasible, it is an efficient choice. This eco-friendly solution addresses energy consumption concerns while providing an alternative to traditional power sources. In this article, we’ll explore the dynamics of direct and indirect solar power for mini-splits, discuss the types of compatible units, and guide…

If you want to know how many solar panels you will need for your food truck, you need to understand that A 1 kW solar system may, on average, provide about 4-5 kWh of electricity each day. Hence, a solar power system with a 4-5 kW capacity would be needed for a food truck with…

Solar power, gas generators, and car batteries are three of the few ways to get electricity while camping. But while they can all be your camping power source, their efficiency, output power, operation costs, safety, and eco-friendliness differ. Of the 3 camping power sources we stated above, gas generators typically offer the highest maximum power…